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Hearing test

Hearing test

Overview

Newborns are routinely screened for their hearing shortly after birth to prevent delays in normal language skills. In one test, a small earpiece is placed in the outer part of the baby's ear. The earpiece emits clicking sounds into the baby's ear and the microphone in the earpiece detects nearby sounds. The sounds should echo in the ear canal. If there is no echo, it is a sign of hearing loss.

Review Date 2/17/2024

Updated by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.